Eating solid foods is a significant milestone for your baby.
Breast Milk provides optimal nutrition for babies; but, this isn’t always possible. So, formula-feeding is a suitable option. Now that your baby is nearing the age of four to six months, you can begin incorporating solids to supplement breastmilk or formula.
During this time, observe your baby for any of these signs:
- Can they lift their head in a steady or upright position?
- Can they sit without minimal support?
- Do they show interest in food by leaning forward and making grabbing motions?
- Is your baby mouthing his hands or toys?
- Do they still seem hungry about getting a full day’s feeding of milk?
If you said yes to these questions, your baby might be ready to try out solid food intake. Remember, you don’t have to rush the baby’s first milestone. Of course, when you feel like it’s the right time, it’s good to be prepared.
While you’re at it, it’s just as essential to make sure your baby uses non-toxic materials. Right now, there’s a tremendous amount of baby products available in the market. It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time parent or not. Worry not; our friends over at The Good Nursery have curated lists of the best non-toxic baby things your baby can use now to save you the trouble of wondering where to start.
So What Can I Feed My Baby?
At this stage, you can start simple. Let your baby try one food that doesn’t contain any sugar or salt. Wait for three to five days each time to see if your baby will have an allergic reaction.
You can try preparing runny cereal. Make it out of various simple grain, iron-fortified cereals such as rice, oatmeal, or barley. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of cereal and mix it with water, breastmilk, or formula. You can increase the serving gradually every time.
At this stage, the baby feeds on solids after milk intake. That way, your baby will be filled with their primary nutrition source, which is breastmilk or formula.
After some time, you may also make easily digestible fruit or vegetable purees for your little one. This can be done by steaming and mashing your fresh fruits and veggies without any salt or sugar. The general rule of thumb for food at this age is to avoid giving them added salt, added sugar, or artificial ingredients. As weaning signals, the development of their basic ‘food tastes.’ High levels of additives will let babies get used to poor quality, processed foods at an early age. Its effects can last beyond childhood.
When your baby gets the hang of eating the first food, it can be fun for you and your child to discover food together. Continue to observe which foods give them an allergic reaction and which foods they’re partial to. You can then introduce mixes of pureed fruits, vegetables, beans, or yogurt when you know.
Advantages of Making Baby Food Yourself
- You know exactly what you’re giving your baby.
- You can save more than buying pre-packaged foods.
- You can choose your fruits, vegetables, or other foods for purees. You wouldn’t have to rely on what the pre-packaged foods provide.
- Doing so lets the baby get used to eating the same food as the family.
Of course, not everybody has the luxury of time. As a busy parent, making baby food from scratch can be a tedious and time-consuming process. This can be more so, especially if your baby is a fussy eater. Luckily, there is some ready-made baby food available at your local supermarket.
Whatever choice you may make, making sure that your baby’s first solids experience safe and nutritious is of utmost importance.
Why Organic Food?
Your baby deserves the best possible nutrition. You deserve to feel secure and confident in the food you choose to give to your child. If you want to make sure that your baby’s first food milestone is safe and memorable, show them organic baby food. Remember, this is their first foray into the world of solid foods.
We would always give our babies a little more of everything – more love, more care, and more attention. The same goes for their good intake.
“Organic” refers to how some food is processed. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, organic food production is without the use of antibiotics, growth hormones, or conventional pesticides. It’s free from additives – preservatives, sweeteners, coloring, and flavoring.
While we can’t entirely limit your baby’s exposure to harmful chemicals, we can control what they eat. At that age, their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Their vital organs are not yet capable of processing and flushing out toxins the same way we can.
Farmers grow organic fruits and vegetables using fertilizers without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic farming tends to be more eco-friendly. It tends to improve soil quality, conserves groundwater, and reduces pollution. Organic produce also tends to be more nutritious. As these plants don’t rely on chemical pesticides to protect themselves, they produce their protective compounds (antioxidants.) They have more antioxidants and vitamins.
You are what you eat is a common saying. It’s why it’s essential to be mindful of what food we consume to be healthy and fit. In feeding your baby organic food, you’re thinking of the long-term benefits. These far outweigh the time and effort it took you to prepare this food for them. If you chose to buy ready-made baby food, many organic brands are available in the market. It needs a little research.
Conclusion
Many people become more health-conscious. When they realize the gravity of the responsibility to feed their children, they are convinced that eating organic food is the healthiest and safest choice for their families.
Our babies deserve safe, nutritious, and wholesome foods.
Children need safe, nutritious, and wholesome foods. What they eat affects not only their daily well-being but also their long-term growth and development. You’re not only committed to protecting your baby, but you’re also committed to protecting the environment by supporting organic products.
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